There are many things I love about the people in my country. Among these is their sincere care for one another. Looking for directions? Don’t worry, you’ll definitely get someone who will be willing to guide you to the exact spot. Looking for a remedy for a medical problem? You’re sure to get about a thousand and one opinions about what works best. Doctor who?
Now, here’s the problem.
Caring for one another is a commendable trait. However, where do we draw the line? Are there moments where in our attempt to lend a helping hand, we rather cause harm?
Medications prescribed for an individual are usually specific to that individual’s condition. Doses differ from children to adults. Adverse effects also differ. A medication which may have been excellent for you, may not be the same for the other. Many factors are considered before a medication is prescribed.
According to a study conducted by Ellis and Muran, prescription medication borrowing and sharing have been associated with an increased risk of adverse events. An adverse drug event is defined as harm that results from the intrinsic nature of a medication as well as the harm that results from medication errors associated with the manufacture, distribution or use of medicines (Runciman, et al, 2003).
This behavior negatively affects patient’s quality use of medicines.
The possible impacts of prescription medication borrowing and sharing include but are not limited to:
Ø Complications of incorrect use
Ø Fetal harm in the early stages of pregnancy
Ø patient poisoning as a result of improper use.
Ø Development of antibiotic resistance (due to people not following the full course of antibiotics as prescribed)
Ø Addiction/misuse of addictive medications
Ø Delays in seeking professional medical help can lead to misdiagnosis or diagnosis of a disease at a later stage leading to poorer outcomes. (Ellis, et al, 2009)
It’s true amoxicillin worked well for you the last time you had a cough. It worked so well you didn’t even complete the course, and now you want to give it to your friend who has a cough, so it doesn’t go to waste. You think you’re helping but what you’re doing is contributing to antimicrobial resistance as well as the other factors listed above.
It is true sharing is caring, but sometimes, it isn’t.
References
1. Ellis, J., & Mullan, J. (2009). Prescription Medication Borrowing and Sharing: Risk Factors and Management. Australian Family Physician, 38(10), 816–819. https://search.informit.org/doi/10.3316/informit.276240466706970
2. Runciman WB, Roughead EE, Semple SJ, Adams RJ. Adverse drug events and medication errors in Australia. Int J Qual Health Care 2003.
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